Bandari Maritime Academy launches strategic plan with new exchange programs

Students at the Bandari Maritime Academy are set to benefit following the establishment of exchange programmes with similar regional and international training institutions.

This initiative is among the plans outlined by the institution in its newly launched Strategic Plan 2023–2027.

Already, the academy has negotiated and signed an MOU with the Korea Institute for Maritime and Fishing Technology on sea time, exchange programmes, mutual recognition of certificates, and information sharing.

During the launch event on Monday, Bandari Maritime Academy CEO Dr Eric Lewa Katana expressed his appreciation for the support and presence of distinguished guests, including the Principal Secretary of the State Department for Shipping and Maritime Affairs, Geoffrey Kaituko.

Dr. Katana highlighted the strategic alignment of the plan with national and international development agendas, including the United Nations' 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and Africa Agenda 2063.

"The plan aligns with the Global and Regional Development Commitments, recognising the importance of the Blue Economy as an economic enabler in the realisation of the BETA Agenda," he added.

One of the key components of the strategic plan is the implementation of Phase One of the master plan for the construction of the Maritime Survival Training and Certification Centre. This project, which commenced on July 1, 2024, is expected to be completed by December 31, 2026.

Dr Katana thanked the national government for its immense support in realising this project.

Bandari Maritime Academy (BMA) CEO Dr Eric Katana, accompanied by BMA Board of Directors Chairman Prof. Kinandu Muragu and BMA Board Committee on Strategy and Business Development Chairman Duncan Ndegwa, officially launch the BMA Strategic Plan 2023–2027 on Monday, July 22, 2024. (Photo: Farhiya Hussein)

The Strategic Plan outlines six Key Results Areas (KRAs) that will guide its implementation. These include infrastructure development, policy and legal frameworks, financial stability, skilled personnel, competitive academic programmes, and addressing emerging issues in maritime education and training.

It also emphasises the importance of digital transformation and business process reengineering.

BMA Board Chair Prof. Kinandu Muragu underscored the significance of the strategic plan in guiding the academy's development over the next five years.

"This strategic plan lays out the current status of the academy, its staffing, and its infrastructure as the basis for a broad set of actionable plans that, once implemented, will position BMA to be one of the leading maritime education and training providers in the region and Africa," he said.

Prof. Muragu also highlighted the academy's ambitious project to establish a state-of-the-art Maritime Survival Training and Certification Centre, which involves reclaiming up to half an acre of the sea.

"This development is designed to provide students with hands-on, realistic training experiences crucial for their preparedness in maritime safety and emergency response," he explained.

He noted that the launch of the Strategic Plan 2023–2027 signifies a new era for Bandari Maritime Academy, aimed at enhancing maritime education and training, fostering international collaborations, and contributing to the sustainable development of the blue economy.

Principal Secretary Geoffrey Kaituko commended BMA for its strategic vision, saying, "I wish to congratulate BMA for the successful completion of the strategic plan that is being launched today. Strategic plans assist organisations in aligning strategies, activities, and budgets with national development priorities."

In a major development, BMA signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Korea Institute for Maritime and Fishing Technology. This partnership will facilitate sea time, exchange programmes, mutual recognition of certificates, and information sharing.

The academy is also planning to sign MOUs with Japan to further deepen collaborations for maritime graduates.